West Nile found here

Published: September 16, 2003 8:00PM

The recent dry spell in Guernsey County following weeks of mostly rainy weather has led to a new hatch of mosquitoes in the area, and as a result, the increased risk that one of the mosquitoes could carry the West Nile Virus.

With all the rains and then the dry spell, there has been another hatching of mosquitoes, said Randy Shepard, administrator with the Cambridge-Guernsey County Health Department. It will continue to be like this until the first frost hits the area (to kill the mosquitoes).

The health department announced Tuesday that Guernsey County has its first confirmed West Nile Virus case in a human, and the victim is a three-year-old boy.

The boy is at home and he is doing fine, said Shepard.

Due to the recently enacted Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the health department cannot release the name or address of the boy. Instead, Shepard can only confirm the boy lives in the county.

We just cant disclose the identity of the boy or the location where he resides, said Shepard.

According to the latest Ohio Department of Health figures, there have been 22 human cases in Ohio so far this year, 10 of which are West Nile Fever and the remainder are West Nile Encephalitis/Meningitis. Two people have died.

The Health Department reports most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will demonstrate no signs or symptoms. However, some will experience a mild infection with a slight fever, headache, body aches and sometimes a skin rash or swollen lymph gland.

Symptoms usually occur five to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

A very small number of people will suffer from a severe infection that is marked by a rapid onset of high fever, a severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea or vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness or paralysis, seizures, coma, and rarely, death.

While everyone exposed to a mosquito that carries the West Nile Virus is susceptible, people at greatest risk are those older than 50 and those who have a weakened immune system.

To diagnose a West Nile Virus infection, a doctor will need to test either blood or cerebrospinal fluid from a spinal tap for antibodies to the virus. A second blood test is required two to three weeks later to confirm the diagnosis.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus infection. While many people will not know that they have been exposed, nearly all of those with symptoms will fully recover.

However, in some severe cases, hospitalization may be needed. There is no vaccine for West Nile Virus. All care is supportive.

The best way to protect yourself from the West Nile Virus is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Use personal protection while outdoors and mosquitoes are present.

We are doing our part by spraying for mosquitoes, but people must also do their part to protect themselves, said Shepard.

These following actions will reduce the chances of being bitten by mosquitoes.